Islamabad, October 09, 2014 (PPI-OT): Federal Minister for Science and Technology Mr. Zahid Hamid led Pakistan’s delegation to the 50th Anniversary of the Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP) at Trieste, Italy, on 6 – 7 October, 2014. Dr. Ansar Parvez, Chairman Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC), and Ambassador of Pakistan to Italy, were part of the delegation.

Established in 1964, ICTP was the brain child of the famous Pakistani physicist and Nobel Laureate Dr. Abdus Salam, who was also its first director. The objective of the institution has been to provide scientists and researchers from around the world, especially developing countries, with a platform to share knowledge and cooperate in the fields of physics and mathematics.

Over the years, ICTP has been able to initiate and implement various schemes of support and assistance to scientists from developing countries with the active support of the Italian Government, UNESCO and IAEA. Many young scientists from Pakistan have benefited from programmes at ICTP. More than 250 distinguished scientists, ministers and other dignitaries are attending the four-day celebration to mark the 50 years of ICTP.

The speakers and participants, including many Nobel Laureates, paid glowing tributes to the vision of Dr Abdus Salam and his contribution to the advancement of knowledge in the field of theoretical physics. Minister for Science and Technology, Mr Zahid Hamid, participated in the panel discussion on Funding Basic Sciences and Development.

He highlighted various measures taken by the Government of Pakistan to promote scientific studies and research in the country and proposed further initiatives for cooperation between ICTP and Pakistan. He paid rich tributes to the work done by the ICTP and its founders.

H.E. Paul Kagame, President of Rwanda and H.R.H. Prince El Hassan bin Talal of Jordan spoke of their relationship with the Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics, ICTP. Dr. Ansar Pervez, Chairman PAEC, also gave a presentation on how Pakistan and Pakistani scientists benefitted from the years of training programmes and activities offered by the ICTP.

ICTP, which is an affiliate of UNESCO, offers immense opportunities to scientists from developing countries. Pakistan will continue to benefit from its programmes.